Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/507
Title: A smile a day keeps the lawyers away! : the importance of effective communication in preventing litigation
Authors: Hegan, Timothy J.
Keywords: Actions and defenses -- Prevention
Communication in medicine
Medical laws and legislation
Issue Date: 2004
Publisher: Malta Medical Journal
Citation: Hegan, T. J. (2004). A smile a day keeps the lawyers away! : the importance of effective communication in preventing litigation. Malta Medical Journal, 16(2), 42-45.
Abstract: Effective communication is the cornerstone of the doctor/patient relationship. The British Medical Association, in its discussion paper on communication skills education for doctors , highlighted four key benefits of effective communication: • improve the doctor-patient relationship by helping the doctor seek the relevant information and recognise the problems of the patient • help the patient to understand and comply with treatment instructions, thereby improving patient satisfaction • improve patient health - better communication and dialogue between doctor and patient has a beneficial effect in terms of promoting better emotional health, resolution of symptoms and pain control • improve the overall quality of care by ensuring that patients’ views and wishes are taken into account. However, in the blame and claim world in which we live it is also essential to help prevent litigation.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/507
Appears in Collections:MMJ, Volume 16, Issue 2
MMJ, Volume 16, Issue 2

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
A Smile a Day keeps the Lawyers Away!.pdf184.01 kBAdobe PDFView/Open


Items in OAR@UM are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.